How to Clean the Pilot on a Wall Furnace

by Cecilia Harsch

A paperclip can get your furnace working again.

When the pilot on your wall furnace does not stay lit, your furnace won’t heat. A number of reasons can cause the wall furnace to not light, including a damaged thermocouple, a clogged pilot orifice and a disconnected gas supply. The pilot has a small opening in its end that can become dirty and clogged with dirt and debris. Cleaning the pilot on your wall furnace can get your furnace heating once again and save you from an expensive service call.

1

Shut off the electricity to the furnace at your main breaker panel. The single-pole breaker operates the blower motor inside your gas furnace. Turn the wall furnace to the lowest temperature setting.

2

Turn off the gas to your wall furnace. The supply line is near the furnace and has a cutoff valve to stop the gas flow to the furnace. Rotate the valve handle to the “Off” position. If you cannot locate the cutoff valve, use a gas meter key to shut off the gas supply to your house at the outside meter.

3

Open the access panel to reach the gas control valve and the pilot. The access panel is located at the bottom of the furnace and is held shut by one or two screws.

4

Look on the gas control valve for the gas control knob. Push in on the knob and turn the control knob to the “Off” position.

5

Follow the gas line from the control valve to locate the end of the pilot. Wipe the end of the pilot with an emery cloth. Wipe the end of the thermocouple next to the pilot while you have access.

6

Unbend a paperclip to straighten it. Insert the end of the paperclip into the opening at the end of the pilot to remove any ash or debris that might clog it.

7

Turn the main gas supply back on to your wall furnace. Turn on the wall furnace circuit breaker.

8

Push in the gas control knob and rotate it to the “Pilot” position. Keep holding down the knob while lighting the pilot with a fireplace match or by pressing the igniter button until the pilot lights. Slowly release the gas control knob.

9

Rotate the gas control knob on your furnace to the “On” position. Close your access panel and set the thermostat on your furnace to your desired temperature.

About the Author

Cecilia Harsch has been writing professionally since 2009. She writes mainly home improvement, health and travel articles for various online publications. She has several years of experience in the home-improvement industry, focusing on gardening, and a background in group exercise instruction. Harsch received her Certified Nurses Assistant license in 2004. She attended Tarrant County College and studied English composition.

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